LDH extends free flu shot program

This year's flu has been one of the worst in recent history, with numerous schools having to close down due to so many kids being sick and eight children having their lives taken by the sickness.

Casanueva said flu and pneumonia-related deaths were 6.89 percent of total deaths from any cause in Wichita County from November through January.

Last week marked the first decline in flu deaths since the week ending February 3, when there were 39 confirmed fatalities, the deadliest week of the state's current flu season.

Most health insurance plans cover the shot free of charge, but Levine says her department wants to give people every opportunity to get vaccinated.

This flu season, 2,897 flu-related deaths have been tracked statewide, including five deaths of people younger than 18, according to the Texas State Department of Health Services.

"We saw our first cases in November around Thanksgiving", said Greg Gulbransen, a pediatrician in Oyster Bay.

They feel the data they have gathered has given them a snapshot of how the community has been impacted by the flu.

Officials said almost 100,000 people in SC have tested positive for flu since October.

"Call your local parish health unit, and if you don't know which one is local to you, you can go on the LDH Fight the Flu website, and find which location is closest to you".

That's why she and others are urging everyone who still hasn't gotten a flu shot to get one now.

Spokesman Wayne Arnold shares a few helpful tips for this flu season. "We're still seeing those high numbers, and, like I said, this is the ninth straight week - I don't think I've ever seen nine straight weeks of high flu numbers".

Melaney Arnold is a spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Oklahoma County recorded 587 hospitalizations, while Tulsa County recorded 871 hospitalizations.

Other precautions include washing your hands frequently, covering your coughs and sneezes, avoiding sick people and staying home if you're not feeling well.

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